Media Release

An unidentified male died Thursday (March 21) from injuries he sustained in a moped crash on Painted Church Road in Hōnaunau, South Kona.

Responding to a 9:07 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2001 Honda moped and traveling north on Painted Church Road when he ran off the right side of the road and struck a rock wall.

The victim was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:25 p.m.

The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The victim appears to be a local male, about 5- foot-5, about 130 pounds with a tan complexion. He appears to be 15 or 16 years old.

It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone who may know the identity of the victim is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 935-3311.

This is the 11th traffic fatality on Hawaiʻi Island this year compared with seven at this time last year.